The Prepared Environment

Supplementing At-Home Care with Half-Day Programs

THE MONTESSORI IDEALIST
ARTICLE 1

Supplementing At-Home Parenting with Half-Day Programs

by: Holly Carter RECE, Montessori Directress

      “Mother knows best” is a sweet yet powerful sentiment that has rightfully resonated through time.  You are, above all, your child’s best teacher and the most important figure that will exist during their lifetime.  Day to day, as your child matures, they are discovering their own unique place in the world while cushioned with the comfort of Mommy and Daddy by their side.

      An ideal childhood is one that involves warm nurturing; a chance to exhibit independence within limits; and having the opportunity to explore and face challenge.  These are fundamental building blocks for successful scaffolding in life.

      Montessori can help:  An implemented program such as half-day Montessori can offer countless benefits to both parents and children.

      A Montessori environment is geared to be an extension of home.  Because of smaller class sizes and adult to child ratios, directresses have ample opportunity to build bonds, assess development and tailor suit a program unique to them.  All directresses act in accordance to Montessori philosophy whereby a calm, soothing tone is set and continuity is fostered between home and school.  The formation of strong, loving bonds is one of the primary focuses of Montessori.

      The work within the environment must always be developmentally appropriate yet offer a challenge in order to provide every child the chance to “master” new concepts.  It is set up into areas by which a child is given freedom to choose a work that appeals to them,  observe the directress and then try for themselves.  The work is geared to foster independence.  This can include buttoning, pouring without spilling and daily tasks such as folding, washing and sweeping.

      The at-home parent can be assured that along with practical learning, their child will be offered academics within the course of each day.  Specific materials are set-out in such a way that the child becomes intrigued.  Tangible, manipulative items like Spindle Work help children grasp math concepts while language skills are taught through tactile letters and sound bags/boxes.  Work that can be both manipulated by the child and used independently aids in the child’s passion to learn and eagerness to take on more.

      Morale, collaboration and calm conflict resolution are strongly encouraged in a Montessori environment.  The lead directress and her assistants ensure the modeling of appropriate behaviour and social grace at all times.  Being lead by example translates well into home life, too.  Socialization is a vital part of development and teaches children how to get along with each other and then, in turn, with their siblings and future siblings.

      A half-day program provides the at-home parent a well deserved break.  Typically, the half day begins at 8:30 am and completes by 12:30 pm.  Within this time frame, parents can be assured that their children are being mentally stimulated, emotionally supported and cognitively exercised within all areas of development.  Often this allows parents the opportunity to refresh and regroup with the knowledge that their child is being well attended to.

      Half-day programs in Montessori environments build enthusiasm toward the quest of greater learning, independence, self control and self confidence.  Integrating it into at-home parenting allows the child to flourish while still maintaining lifelong learning from their best teacher- YOU!